FIRST CLASS HIGH SCHOOL
From a vision to a beacon of educational excellence
Mr S.G. Mutsongodza & Mrs T. Mutsongodza, two passion-filled educational visionaries, dreamed of providing quality, values‑based education that would shape generations. Through the Mutsongodza Family Trust, they established First Class Academy in Sakubva Township – a college that soon became synonymous with excellence.
The immense success and trust from stakeholder‑clients led to a growing demand for a quiet, suburban school offering both ZIMSEC and Cambridge curricula. In response, the Trust embarked on a new journey: the birth of First Class High School in Fernhill, Mutare.
Maiden intake: 39 Form 1 & 48 Lower Sixth learners. Only Form 1 & Lower Sixth enrolled to build a strong foundation.
52.9% pass rate; rapid improvement in subsequent years. The school establishes itself as an academic force.
First science laboratory completed, equipped with interactive boards. Three more labs planned.
Nominated for the prestigious award; 88.7% O‑Level pass rate and 96% A‑Level pass rate.
From just 6 classrooms in 2019, the school now boasts 19 classrooms, a modern science laboratory, two hostels, a kitchen and canteen with bakery, chicken abattoir, staff quarters, and a duty teacher’s apartment. Solar power and standby generators ensure uninterrupted learning.
The 4‑classroom block (latest addition) is already in use, and plans for more specialist rooms are underway. A dedicated fleet of six 60‑seater buses and smaller vehicles safely transports day learners from across Mutare.
Offering both ZIMSEC and Cambridge from Form 1 to Upper Sixth, the school has consistently improved pass rates. In 2024, O‑Level pass rate reached 88.7% and A‑Level 96%. Over 20% of A‑Level candidates scored 15 points or more – a testament to quality teaching and the Heritage‑based curriculum.
Subjects range from sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) to technical/vocational areas like Building Technology, Textile Design, and Agriculture. Learners also excel in hydroponics projects, earning A* in Cambridge exams.
"We envisioned a school that would not only impart knowledge but also build character. Today, First Class High School stands as a light of hope and a nursery for future leaders."
The school’s ASSAF activities include Chess, Soccer, Netball, Rugby, and Athletics – with national champions in Chess and Athletics. Debate, Spelling Bee, and public speaking teams have won slots for regional competitions in South Africa and Eswatini.
Clubs such as Leo, Interact, Scripture Union, and Environment Club nurture well‑rounded citizenship. Leadership training for prefects and class managers, along with character‑building camps at Outward Bound, instil discipline and teamwork.
To supplement fees, the school runs thriving commercial projects: piggery, cattle, goat rearing, and three fish ponds (3000‑4000 bream). A modern chicken abattoir processes poultry from First Class Academy. These ventures keep feeding costs low and provide hands‑on learning.
Hydroponics fodder production (wheat/barley) helps sustain animals during droughts – an innovative project that earned top Cambridge grades.
Under the LLL programme, learners visit Zimbabwean universities (UZ, HIT, Great Zimbabwe) for first‑hand exposure. They interact with professors and explore faculties, making informed career choices. The school also hosts EDOOFA sessions for scholarships in Indian universities – several alumni now study in India.
For outstanding institutional performance
District & Provincial winners 2025
Regional qualifiers – SA & Eswatini 2025